"Thank God, or we would all starve to death and never see sunlight." This statement at the end of your Phase 1 description made me LOL.
There is much wisdom in this piece. My partner and I have done a practice of long hugs, looking into each other's eyes for five minutes, or taking each five minutes to speak while the other practices deep listening. I love having a partner who is open to this type of work. Coming out of abuse makes connection difficult because the trust I know in my mind is not the same as the trust of my body.
Great piece!
Wow coming from you... well it's a lovely compliment. Thank you. Super excited that you have a partner that will meet you and do the work...that's half the battle. Here's to all of us overcoming what holds us in the past.